And England and Lions forward Corbisiero, an outspoken standard bearer for player welfare, feels the RFU and Premiership rugby got it completely wrong in not making an example of his old employers.

Ex-Saints prop Corbisiero, 28, said: “This isn’t a witch-hunt but the consensus is that the wrong call was made.

“Unfortunately, George North’s brain could possibly have paid the price in taking unnecessary damage after a head trauma.

“The biggest thing about head traumas is that it is still the unknown — it’s something that could happen down the line. You have to take these things seriously.”

The concussion review panel ruled North should not have carried on — but their 7,000-word report fell short of holding either Saints or individuals to account.

Alex Corbisiero slammed Northampton for allowing North to continue

related articles

LIFE-SAVER

Off-duty medic saved the life of rugby player after performing emergency surgery with a kitchen knife

DREAM CHASER

Who is Dylan Hartley? New Zealand-born captain of England’s rugby union team – here’s what we know

AT WAR

Ex-England rugby star arrested after 'traumatising' his detective neighbour in row over a FENCE

GEOR DROPPER

Northampton amazingly escape punishment over George North concussion storm

AP:Associated Press

George North has a unwelcome history of head trauma

Getty Images

Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves has been forced to retire following concussion

And former Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves, who was forced to retire in October after suffering the ill-effects of blows to the head, tweeted: “Is that what we call player welfare?

“What a depressing day for rugby. Decision is a disgrace.” Corbisiero, now a leading pundit for NBC Sports in America while on a year out from an injury-hit career, added: “Head injuries are different now. In the past you just cracked on with it and there have been plenty of times when I know I have been knocked out cold and I have played on.

“Hopefully no one else has to experience what George has by going back out there.”

North was due to return tonight for Saints’ crunch Premiership clash with Sale Sharks.

But he has since been pulled out of the firing line despite boss Jim Mallinder clearing him fit to play.